Discover The Fireside: A Wisconsin Landmark of Dining and Theatre
Dick and Betty Klopcic’s dream was to build an intimate restaurant where people would truly feel welcome and want to return. In 1964, they built a small, unique restaurant and specialized in offering only the finest foods and the finest service. Following several restaurant expansions, an art gallery adjoining the restaurant was annexed and remodeled into a theatre-in-the-round, opening as a professional theatre in 1978. The stage was set for The Fireside as we know it today — a favorite destination for families and groups seeking a memorable experience of dining, theatre, and shopping at its best.
For more theater information and tips, be sure to Download the Leisure Group Travel Theater Guide and Full August Edition for FREE
Fireside Theatre Dining Experience
In 1998, the next generation of the Klopcic Family took the helm. Rick and his wife Jane, after managing a major renovation including expanding and upgrading the theatre and adding several more gift shops, continued The Fireside’s tradition of family hospitality and commitment to excellence. Renowned as one of the most famous establishments Wisconsin has to offer, The Fireside’s restaurant was known for supreme meals prepared by a creative and talented culinary staff. Fabulous dinners of perfected family recipes from delicious homemade breads through specialty desserts, legendary hospitality and a pleasant atmosphere encompass The Fireside’s dining experience. Jane’s expertise shone in the shops, offering eclectic collections of creative gifts and luxuries that make all the difference – for those not content with the ordinary.
Theatre Upgrades and Future Plans
In 2009, Rick and Jane’s son Ryan joined the business, equipped with an MBA in Marketing and several years’ experience managing high end hotel properties in Colorado, and joined by his wife, Kristi who specialized in Human Resources. In 2015, as Rick and Jane transitioned to retirement Ryan and Kristi purchased the business and began a multi-million-dollar floor to ceiling renovation throughout the facility, one area at a time. Working with Spolar Studios of Milwaukee, the new looks are amazing and serve to add to the festive atmosphere of a day at The Fireside! After successfully leading the company through the uncertainty of the Covid 19 Pandemic and into the celebratory 60th Anniversary year in 2024, Ryan has The Fireside poised for greatness for many years to come.
For more theater information and tips, be sure to Download the Leisure Group Travel Theater Guide and Full August Edition for FREE
The Fireside’s 2024 Season will finish out with:
- ROCKY The Musical and MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET as well as
- a one-week special performance of 1964 – an original musical concert featuring Steve Watts,
- The Fireside Band, Norrell Moore, and Cary Von Murray.
The just announced 2025 Season features Legends such as:
- In Concert’s BACK IN THE BUILDING – The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Musical
- Leonard Bernstein’s WEST SIDE STORY
- Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig)
- The Church Basement Ladies in THE LAST POTLUCK SUPPER
- Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID
- Rodgers and Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA
- Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo’s musical stage version of A WONDERFUL LIFE
Unmatched Quality and Artistic Excellence
The Fireside attracts some of the nation’s most talented performers, directors, designers, and choreographers from Broadway, national tours, and top theatres around the country. By adding such Broadway quality production values as breath-taking costumes, eye-catching settings, and beautiful lighting, The Fireside has earned a reputation for excellence and artistry that is unparalleled throughout the Midwest.
For more theater information and tips, be sure to Download the Leisure Group Travel Theater Guide and Full August Edition for FREE
Fireside Theatre Group and Visitor Amenities
No matter what show or time of year you visit, you’ll find The Fireside the icing on the cake for any Wisconsin tour. We’ve been taking excellent care of groups for 60 years! Amenities include plenty of safe, free parking, complimentary tickets for driver and escort, special group pricing, early booking discounts and easy booking and payment plans. Each experience includes a three-course meal. Thursday evenings and Sunday matinees feature a buffet while all other shows have served dinners with four entrée selections to choose from. Full bar service is available, and gratuity can be prepaid if desired. Groups of 13 or more can save up to $17 off the individual ticket prices when booking in the first few weeks of a show. The Fireside is accessible to guests with disabilities.
Plan Your Visit to The Fireside Theatre
Located on Business Hwy 26 South in Fort Atkinson, The Fireside is within 1.5 hours of Wisconsin Dells, The House on the Rock, Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva, Racine, Kenosha, Beloit, Janesville, and the Horicon Marsh. Performances run Thursday through Sunday year-round. Allow 5.5 hours for the entire dining, shopping, and theatre experience.
The Fireside’s philosophy remains the same as the day they opened – that people will come to where they have been invited and will return to where they have been made to feel welcome. For tour companies and group leaders, a visit to The Fireside really is a dream come true, where we make you the star of the show and your guests receive an experience that’s more than they ever expected. Each guest, whether they are from across the country or across the street, leaves The Fireside with a beautiful memory to cherish forever. Their expert staff would love to create a fabulous tour memory just for you.
For more theater information and tips, be sure to Download the Leisure Group Travel Theater Guide and Full August Edition for FREE
